Held in Nîmes, the Féria de Pentecôte draws around a million visitors every year. While the amphitheatre echoes with the cries of the bullfighters and applause of the crowd, the streets of the Roman city will be heaving with record crowds. From early evening to late at night, a human tide surges into the centre of town, taking over the “bodegas” - temporary bars set up in the streets, courtyards and terraces. Traditionally, the festivities are launched by the “pégoulade”, an evening procession of illuminated floats and musicians that weaves its way through the city streets to the amphitheatre.

On the programme…

In 2012, Nîmes will be celebrating its 60^th Féria de Pentecôte. This year, the Roman amphitheatre will be the scene of traditional corridas, with bullfighters Sébastien Castella, El Juli, Juan Bautista and Enrique Ponce. A number of artists will be appearing in the city squares, including the Collectif Métissé, the singer Mehdi, representing the new French music scene, and Chico & les Gypsies. Horse lovers will be meeting at the Jardins de la Fontaine for the horse show put on by the trainer and equerry Lucien Gruss.

Don't worry if you miss this great popular festival - Nîmes holds a catch-up session every year in September: the Féria des Vendanges.